An academic adviser at Kennesaw State University has been placed on administrative leave after a complaint over an interaction with a student seen in a viral video.
Abby Dawson, director of advising and internships in KSU’s Department of Exercise Science and Sport Management, is on leave during an investigation that is expected to take two weeks, according to a statement sent out by the school late Friday.
The complaint stems from an interaction Dawson had with KSU student Kevin Bruce.
Bruce recorded and posted a 30-second video of the interaction online earlier this week. The video shows Bruce visiting the student advising office and being told by Dawson that waiting for an adviser to become available was harassment. Dawson threatens to call campus police when Bruce does not immediately leave the office.
The video, which quickly went viral, touched off claims of racism against Dawson, who is white, toward Bruce, who is black. Bruce denied any racism claim, posting later, “Guys, it’s not a racial issue. Every race has this problem.”
“Kennesaw State is dedicated to providing a positive academic experience for all students,” said Ken Harmon, KSU’s provost and vice president of academic affairs, in the statement. “We also have a responsibility to provide all students, faculty and staff with a fair and thorough review process.”
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